Handy Moving House Tips

Moving can be a stressful time for some people, but in our experience, if you are organised and plan in advance, then it can be reasonably stress-free and most importantly, an exciting time! Here are a few pointers that we hope will help you into your new home, as seamlessly as possible:

Four weeks before move-date

To ensure you get the date and the company you want book your removals as soon as possible. Fridays and Saturdays can be more expensive and get booked up well in advance.

Check your home contents insurance policy to see what cover you have regarding moving home. Your removal company can provide this if you are not covered.

Arrange for parking of the removal van outside your current and new addresses. Removal companies can arrange this but they will charge for it.

Three weeks before move-date

Order boxes, bubble wrap and packing materials so you can start packing in good time and not leave everything to the last minute.

Let your broadband supplier know as soon as possible that you are moving to ensure you are not penalised for shutting down your account.

Order change of address cards to send out to friends and family.

If you are moving out of the local area you will have to de-register with your doctor, dentist and optician and register with new ones in your new area.

If you need hotel accommodation during the removal book your hotel well in advance especially in the summer months when availability may be limited.

Two weeks before move-date

See who offers the best deal on Gas and Electricity at your new home. The size and postcode of your new home will affect your gas bill so it is worth investigating all the options.

Book pets into kennels/cattery etc. or for friends/relatives to look after them during the move.

If possible arrange childcare on moving day or set aside an area of the house for them to play in with some of their toys.

Inform your cable/satellite operator of your moving date or if you wish to start up this service check to see if they are available in your area.

When you move home you are required to register your change of address to be eligible to vote.

Inform the DVLA of your change of address. Failure to do so is an offence.

Start to empty your freezer and throw out any out of date tins and jars in your kitchen cupboards.

Review the security arrangements at your new home. At the very least we recommend that you change the locks on all your outside doors as you don't know who may have had access to the keys.

One week before move-date

Notify your local councils (current and new) of your change of address. Council Tax is calculated on a daily basis so you could be due a refund.

Call your home phone company to transfer your account.

Contact your bank/building society with your change of address.

Inform TV Licensing of your change of address. Keep hold of your current licence as you will not be issued a new one until your existing one expires.

Contact your mobile phone network to let them know your change of address. The simplest way is to call them from your phone as they do not charge for the call.

Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address.

Do not water any plants a week before moving.

Shut down and set up your water accounts.

Settle all outstanding accounts with your milkman and newsagent and cancel subscriptions

Check with your estate agents that the keys to your new home will be available on the day of your move and what you should do with your own keys. Spare keys should be labelled and left in a secure place in the house.

Collect any remaining items from your dry cleaners.

Pack a box for use in the new home to include light bulbs, toilet rolls, candles, screwdrivers, matches, cash and a note of important telephone numbers. Put this in your car.

Empty, disconnect and drain the pipes of your dishwasher and washing machine. Secure the drum with travel brackets.

Empty your fridge and freezer of any unwanted food.

MOVING DAY!

Please remember to take final meter readings for Gas, Electricity and Water.

Keep refreshments flowing - moving is physically demanding work.

Remove all bedding and clearly label the box for immediate unpacking for the first night at your new home.

Identify to the removers anything that is not to go to the new home.

Once the van is loaded do one last check around the house to ensure all items have been packed.

Day one in your new home

Contact your old gas and electricity companies to give them your final meter readings.

Surrender any parking permits from your old address and apply for a new one if applicable.